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Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for.​—Heb. 11:1.What a wonderful hope true Christians share! All of us, whether of the anointed or of the “other sheep,” hope to see the fulfillment of God’s original purpose and the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. (John 10:16; Matt. 6:9, 10) Such expectations are the most noble any human can cherish. We also long for the promised reward of everlasting life, either as part of God’s “new heavens” or as part of his “new earth.” (2 Pet. 3:13) In the meantime, we hope for the continued increase of the spiritual prosperity of God’s people. Those who are part of Satan’s world also have some sort of hope, but they may doubt whether theirs will ever be realized. For example, millions of gamblers may hope to win a lottery, but they could hardly feel sure about that. Real faith, on the other hand, is “the assured expectation” of our Christian hope.

Thursday, May 24

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Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for.​—Heb. 11:1.

Hebrews 11:1Study Bible11 Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for,+ the evident demonstration* of realities that are not seen.

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What a wonderful hope true Christians share! All of us, whether of the anointed or of the “other sheep,” hope to see the fulfillment of God’s original purpose and the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. (John 10:16; Matt. 6:9, 10)

John 10:16Study Bible16 “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold;+ those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.+

Matthew 6:9, 10Study Bible9 “You must pray, then, this way:+“‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name+ be sanctified.+ 10 Let your Kingdom+ come. Let your will+ take place, as in heaven, also on earth.+

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Such expectations are the most noble any human can cherish. We also long for the promised reward of everlasting life, either as part of God’s “new heavens” or as part of his “new earth.” (2 Pet. 3:13)

2 Peter 3:13Study Bible13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise,+ and in these righteousness is to dwell.+

In the meantime, we hope for the continued increase of the spiritual prosperity of God’s people. Those who are part of Satan’s world also have some sort of hope, but they may doubt whether theirs will ever be realized. For example, millions of gamblers may hope to win a lottery, but they could hardly feel sure about that. Real faith, on the other hand, is “the assured expectation” of our Christian hope.

I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.​—Heb. 13:5.We can link that inspired statement with what Jesus said about seeking first the Kingdom and God’s righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) The apostle Peter once asked Jesus: “We have left all things and followed you; what, then, will there be for us?” (Matt. 19:27) Instead of rebuking Peter for asking that question, Jesus told his disciples that they would be rewarded for their sacrifices. The faithful apostles and others will rule with him in heaven. But even now there are rewards. Jesus said: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit everlasting life.” (Matt. 19:29) His disciples would gain blessings far in excess of any personal sacrifices they might make. Are not spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children much more valuable than anything we have renounced or given up for the sake of the Kingdom?

Wednesday, May 23

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I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.​—Heb. 13:5.

Hebrews 13:5Study Bible5 Let your way of life be free of the love of money,+ while you are content with the present things.+ For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”+

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We can link that inspired statement with what Jesus said about seeking first the Kingdom and God’s righteousness. (Matt. 6:33)

Matthew 6:33Study Bible33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.+

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The apostle Peter once asked Jesus: “We have left all things and followed you; what, then, will there be for us?” (Matt. 19:27)

Matthew 19:27Study Bible27 Then Peter said in reply: “Look! We have left all things and followed you; what, then, will there be for us?”+

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Instead of rebuking Peter for asking that question, Jesus told his disciples that they would be rewarded for their sacrifices. The faithful apostles and others will rule with him in heaven. But even now there are rewards. Jesus said: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit everlasting life.” (Matt. 19:29)

Matthew 19:29Study Bible29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit everlasting life.+

His disciples would gain blessings far in excess of any personal sacrifices they might make. Are not spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children much more valuable than anything we have renounced or given up for the sake of the Kingdom?

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.​—Rom. 8:5.It was fitting for Christians in Rome to analyze what their focus in life really was. Could it be that their lives were dominated by or centered on “things of the flesh”? And it is fitting for us to consider the same about our lives. What is of greatest interest to us, and to what does our speech gravitate? What do we really pursue day in and day out? Some may find that they are focusing on trying different types of wine, decorating the home, finding new clothing styles, making investments, planning vacation trips, and the like. Such matters are not bad in themselves; they can be normal aspects of life. For example, Jesus once made wine, and Paul told Timothy to take “a little wine.” (1 Tim. 5:23; John 2:3-11) But did Jesus and Paul make wine a prominent aspect of their lives? Was it their passion, what they constantly talked about? No. What about us? What is our key interest in life?

Tuesday, May 22

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.​—Rom. 8:5.

Romans 8:5Study Bible5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,+ but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit.+

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It was fitting for Christians in Rome to analyze what their focus in life really was. Could it be that their lives were dominated by or centered on “things of the flesh”? And it is fitting for us to consider the same about our lives. What is of greatest interest to us, and to what does our speech gravitate? What do we really pursue day in and day out? Some may find that they are focusing on trying different types of wine, decorating the home, finding new clothing styles, making investments, planning vacation trips, and the like. Such matters are not bad in themselves; they can be normal aspects of life. For example, Jesus once made wine, and Paul told Timothy to take “a little wine.” (1 Tim. 5:23; John 2:3-11)

1 Timothy 5:23Study Bible23 Do not drink water any longer,* but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness.

John 2:3-11StudyBible3 When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him: “They have no wine.” 4 But Jesus said to her: “Woman, why is that of concern to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to those serving: “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now there were six stone water jars sitting there as required by the purification rules of the Jews,+ each able to hold two or three liquid measures. 7 Jesus said to them: “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he said to them: “Now draw some out and take it to the director of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the director of the feast tasted the water that had now been turned into wine, not knowing where it came from (although the servants who had drawn out the water knew), the director of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him: “Everyone else puts out the fine wine first, and when people are intoxicated, the inferior. You have saved the fine wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this in Ca'na of Gal'i·lee as the beginning of his signs, and he made his glory manifest,+ and his disciples put their faith in him.

But did Jesus and Paul make wine a prominent aspect of their lives? Was it their passion, what they constantly talked about? No. What about us? What is our key interest in life?

Just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.​—Rom. 5:12.That verse is repeatedly used in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? As you study this book with your children or others, you will likely read Romans 5:12 when you discuss God’s purpose for the earth, the ransom, and the condition of the dead​—chapters 3, 5, and 6. But how often do you think of Romans 5:12 with regard to your own standing before Jehovah, your actions, and your future prospects? All of us, of course, must face the reality that we are sinners. We make mistakes every day. Yet, we are assured that God remembers that we are made of dust, and he is willing to show us mercy. (Ps. 103:13, 14) Jesus included in the model prayer the request to God: “Forgive us our sins.” (Luke 11:2-4) Hence, we have no reason to dwell on mistakes that God has forgiven. Still, we can benefit from thinking about how he could​—and did—​forgive us.

Monday, May 21

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Just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.​—Rom. 5:12.

Romans 5:12Study Bible12 That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin,+ and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned+—.

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That verse is repeatedly used in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? As you study this book with your children or others, you will likely read Romans 5:12 when you discuss God’s purpose for the earth, the ransom, and the condition of the dead​—chapters 3, 5, and 6. But how often do you think of Romans 5:12 with regard to your own standing before Jehovah, your actions, and your future prospects? All of us, of course, must face the reality that we are sinners. We make mistakes every day. Yet, we are assured that God remembers that we are made of dust, and he is willing to show us mercy. (Ps. 103:13, 14)

Psalm 103:13, 14Study Bible13 As a father shows mercy to his sons,Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him.+14 For he well knows how we are formed,+Remembering that we are dust.+

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Jesus included in the model prayer the request to God: “Forgive us our sins.” (Luke 11:2-4)

Luke 11:2-4Study Bible2 So he said to them: “Whenever you pray, say: ‘Father, let your name be sanctified.+ Let your Kingdom come.+ 3 Give us each day our bread according to our daily needs.+ 4 And forgive us our sins,+ for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is in debt to us;+ and do not bring us into temptation.’”+

Hence, we have no reason to dwell on mistakes that God has forgiven. Still, we can benefit from thinking about how he could​—and did—​forgive us.

By [God] we have life and move and exist.​—Acts 17:28.There are many reasons why we should be thankful to Jehovah! We owe him our very life, for without him we would not even move or exist. He has given us a very precious gift​—his own book, the Bible. We gratefully accept it as God’s message, even as the Christians in Thessalonica received God’s word and accepted it. (1 Thess. 2:13) With the written Word of God in hand, we have drawn close to Jehovah and he has drawn close to us. (Jas. 4:8) Our heavenly Father has granted us the wonderful privilege of being part of his organization. How we appreciate such blessings! The psalmist put matters beautifully when he sang: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1) Twenty-six times in Psalm 136, we find the refrain “his loyal love endures forever.” By proving loyal to Jehovah and his organization, we will experience the truthfulness of those heartening words because we will live forever!

Sunday, May 20

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By [God] we have life and move and exist.​—Acts 17:28.

Acts 17:28Study Bible28 For by him we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his children.’*

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There are many reasons why we should be thankful to Jehovah! We owe him our very life, for without him we would not even move or exist. He has given us a very precious gift​—his own book, the Bible. We gratefully accept it as God’s message, even as the Christians in Thessalonica received God’s word and accepted it. (1 Thess. 2:13)

1 Thessalonians 2:13Study Bible13 Indeed, that is why we also thank God unceasingly,+ because when you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers.

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With the written Word of God in hand, we have drawn close to Jehovah and he has drawn close to us. (Jas. 4:8)

James 4:8Study Bible8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.+ Cleanse your hands, you sinners,+ and purify your hearts,+ you indecisive ones.

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Our heavenly Father has granted us the wonderful privilege of being part of his organization. How we appreciate such blessings! The psalmist put matters beautifully when he sang: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1)

Twenty-six times in Psalm 136, we find the refrain “his loyal love endures forever.” By proving loyal to Jehovah and his organization, we will experience the truthfulness of those heartening words because we will live forever!

He has . . . put eternity in their heart.​—Eccl. 3:11.Science has revealed much about the universe and our earthly home, and it has brought us advantages in various aspects of life. But there are many questions science has not been able to answer. For instance, astronomers cannot tell us exactly how the universe came into existence or why we are on planet Earth with its abundance of life. Also, people in general cannot explain why mankind has a strong desire to live forever. Why are there so many important but unanswered questions? Partly because numerous scientists and others tend to promote godless thinking and endorse the theory of evolution. But in his own Book, Jehovah answers questions weighing on the hearts of people everywhere. We are dependent on the consistent and reliable laws of nature established by Jehovah. Electricians, plumbers, engineers, pilots, surgeons​—all of them depend on these laws in order to do their work.

Saturday, May 19

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He has . . . put eternity in their heart.​—Eccl. 3:11.

Ecclesiastes 3:11Study Bible11 He has made everything beautiful* in its time.+ He has even put eternity in their heart; yet mankind will never find out the work that the true God has made from start to finish.

Science has revealed much about the universe and our earthly home, and it has brought us advantages in various aspects of life. But there are many questions science has not been able to answer. For instance, astronomers cannot tell us exactly how the universe came into existence or why we are on planet Earth with its abundance of life. Also, people in general cannot explain why mankind has a strong desire to live forever. Why are there so many important but unanswered questions? Partly because numerous scientists and others tend to promote godless thinking and endorse the theory of evolution. But in his own Book, Jehovah answers questions weighing on the hearts of people everywhere. We are dependent on the consistent and reliable laws of nature established by Jehovah. Electricians, plumbers, engineers, pilots, surgeons​—all of them depend on these laws in order to do their work.

I will eagerly pursue the way of your commandments.​—Ps. 119:32.One circumstance that many have faced is the struggle to overcome a fleshly weakness. Others have had to put forth determined effort to maintain a positive view of the ministry. Or in your case, it may be the need to keep enduring, even though you have poor health or are lonely. We should also not overlook the struggle some have to forgive someone who has offended them or has sinned against them. No matter how long we have been serving Jehovah, all of us must fight against things that might hinder our service to God, who rewards the faithful. If you realize that you have to some extent been affected in a negative way, by all means pray for holy spirit. Prayer and holy spirit can give you energy to pursue the course that you know to be right and that Jehovah can bless. Act on your prayers. Try to read a portion of the Bible each day, and make time for personal study as well as regular Family Worship sessions.​—Ps. 119:32.

Tuesday, May 15

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I will eagerly pursue the way of your commandments.​—Ps. 119:32.

Psalm 119:32Study Bible32 I will eagerly pursue* the way of your commandmentsBecause you make room for it in my heart.*

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One circumstance that many have faced is the struggle to overcome a fleshly weakness. Others have had to put forth determined effort to maintain a positive view of the ministry. Or in your case, it may be the need to keep enduring, even though you have poor health or are lonely. We should also not overlook the struggle some have to forgive someone who has offended them or has sinned against them. No matter how long we have been serving Jehovah, all of us must fight against things that might hinder our service to God, who rewards the faithful. If you realize that you have to some extent been affected in a negative way, by all means pray for holy spirit. Prayer and holy spirit can give you energy to pursue the course that you know to be right and that Jehovah can bless. Act on your prayers. Try to read a portion of the Bible each day, and make time for personal study as well as regular Family Worship sessions.​—Ps. 119:32.

Psalm 119:32Study Bible32 I will eagerly pursue* the way of your commandmentsBecause you make room for it in my heart.*

Do not let your hands drop down.​—Zeph. 3:16.To let the figurative hands drop down has at times been used to describe someone who is discouraged, disheartened, or without hope. (2 Chron. 15:7, ftn.; Heb. 12:12) It is common for a person in that situation to give up. Sadly, life in Satan’s wicked world creates a tremendous amount of pressure, which can cause anxiety and thus make a person feel weighed down. That can be like an anchor attached to a boat, not allowing the boat to move forward. (Prov. 12:25) What could cause you to feel that way? Well, maybe you are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, deal with a serious illness, provide for your family in these hard economic times, or you may be facing opposition. The resulting emotional stress might in time drain your strength. It could even cause you to lose your joy. But you can be assured that God is ready to give you a helping hand.​—Isa. 41:10, 13.

Monday, May 14

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Do not let your hands drop down.​—Zeph. 3:16.

Zephaniah 3:16Study Bible16 On that day it will be said to Jerusalem:“Do not be afraid, O Zion.+Do not let your hands drop down.

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To let the figurative hands drop down has at times been used to describe someone who is discouraged, disheartened, or without hope. (2 Chron. 15:7, ftn.; Heb. 12:12)

2 Chronicles 15:7Study Bible7 But you, be strong and do not become discouraged,*+ for your activity will be rewarded.”

Hebrews 12:12Study Bible12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,+

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It is common for a person in that situation to give up. Sadly, life in Satan’s wicked world creates a tremendous amount of pressure, which can cause anxiety and thus make a person feel weighed down. That can be like an anchor attached to a boat, not allowing the boat to move forward. (Prov. 12:25)

Proverbs 12:25Study Bible25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,*+But a good word cheers it up.+

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What could cause you to feel that way? Well, maybe you are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, deal with a serious illness, provide for your family in these hard economic times, or you may be facing opposition. The resulting emotional stress might in time drain your strength. It could even cause you to lose your joy. But you can be assured that God is ready to give you a helping hand.​—Isa. 41:10, 13.

Isaiah 41:10Study Bible10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you.+Do not be anxious, for I am your God.+I will fortify you, yes, I will help you,+I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’

Isaiah 41:13Study Bible13 For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand,The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’+

Shepherd the flock of God.​—1 Pet. 5:2.The need for shepherds in the Christian congregation is great, and those who will do such work in the future need ongoing training. Paul told Timothy: “The things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses, these things entrust to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim. 2:1, 2) Timothy learned by serving alongside the apostle, an older man. Then Timothy applied Paul’s methods in his own ministry and other aspects of sacred service. (2 Tim. 3:10-12) Paul did not leave Timothy’s training to chance. He had the young man accompany him. (Acts 16:1-5) Elders can imitate Paul’s example by taking qualified ministerial servants along on shepherding calls when appropriate. Elders thus give such brothers an opportunity to observe firsthand the teaching, faith, patience, and love required of Christian overseers. This procedure contributes to the training of future shepherds of “the flock of God.”

Sunday, May 13

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Shepherd the flock of God.​—1 Pet. 5:2.

1 Peter 5:2Study Bible2 Shepherd the flock of God+ under your care, serving as overseers,* not under compulsion, but willingly before God;+ not for love of dishonest gain,+ but eagerly;

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The need for shepherds in the Christian congregation is great, and those who will do such work in the future need ongoing training. Paul told Timothy: “The things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses, these things entrust to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim. 2:1, 2)

2 Timothy 2:1, 2Study Bible2 You, therefore, my child,+ keep on acquiring power in the undeserved kindness that is in Christ Jesus; 2 and the things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses,+ these things entrust to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.

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Timothy learned by serving alongside the apostle, an older man. Then Timothy applied Paul’s methods in his own ministry and other aspects of sacred service. (2 Tim. 3:10-12)

2 Timothy 3:10-12Study Bible10 But you have closely followed my teaching, my course of life,+ my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 11 the persecutions and sufferings such as I experienced in Antioch,+ in I·co'ni·um,+ in Lys'tra.+ I endured these persecutions, and the Lord rescued me from them all.+ 12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.+

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Paul did not leave Timothy’s training to chance. He had the young man accompany him. (Acts 16:1-5)

Acts 16:1-5Study Bible16 So he arrived at Der'be and also at Lys'tra.+ And a disciple named Timothy+ was there, the son of a believing Jewish woman but of a Greek father, 2 and he was well-reported-on by the brothers in Lys'tra and I·co'ni·um. 3 Paul expressed the desire for Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews in those places,+ for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled on through the cities, they would deliver to them for observance the decrees that had been decided on by the apostles and the elders who were in Jerusalem.+ 5 Then, indeed, the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number day by day.

Elders can imitate Paul’s example by taking qualified ministerial servants along on shepherding calls when appropriate. Elders thus give such brothers an opportunity to observe firsthand the teaching, faith, patience, and love required of Christian overseers. This procedure contributes to the training of future shepherds of “the flock of God.”

The time left is reduced. From now on, let those who have wives be as though they had none, . . . and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full.​—1 Cor. 7:29-31.Because we are living deep in “the last days,” we are experiencing “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Yet, keeping spiritually strong will do much to offset this world’s negative influences. In today’s text, Paul was not telling married couples to neglect their marital duties. In view of the reduced time, however, they needed to give priority to spiritual matters. (Matt. 6:33) Although we are living in very trying times and marital relationships are failing all around us, it is possible for us to make marriage happy and successful. Indeed, married Christians who stick with Jehovah’s people, apply Scriptural counsel, and accept the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit can preserve “what God has yoked together.”​—Mark 10:9.

Saturday, May 12

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The time left is reduced. From now on, let those who have wives be as though they had none, . . . and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full.​—1 Cor. 7:29-31.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31Study Bible29 Moreover, this I say, brothers, the time left is reduced.+ From now on, let those who have wives be as though they had none, 30 and those who weep as those who do not weep, and those who rejoice as those who do not rejoice, and those who buy as those who do not possess, 31 and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.

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Because we are living deep in “the last days,” we are experiencing “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

2 Timothy 3:1-5Study Bible3 But know this, that in the last days+ critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power;+ and from these turn away.

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Yet, keeping spiritually strong will do much to offset this world’s negative influences. In today’s text, Paul was not telling married couples to nMatthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33Study Bible33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.+

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Although we are living in very trying times and marital relationships are failing all around us, it is possible for us to make marriage happy and successful. Indeed, married Christians who stick with Jehovah’s people, apply Scriptural counsel, and accept the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit can preserve “what God has yoked together.”​—Mark 10:9.